Ep 4. Radical Grace

In the season 5 episode 4 of America ReFramed, titled Radical Grace, viewers are introduced to three Catholic nuns who are fighting for social justice in the United States. The documentary film highlights the work of Sisters Simone Campbell, Jean Hughes, and Chris Schenk, who have taken a stand against the Catholic Church's patriarchal hierarchy and its conservative views on issues such as reproductive rights, LGBT rights, and income inequality.

The film takes us on a journey through the everyday lives of these sisters, who are determined to challenge the status quo and bring about change in their communities. They travel to Capitol Hill to lobby for social justice reform, participate in rallies and protests, and speak out against the injustices they witness in their work. Their activism is grounded in their faith and their belief that the Catholic Church must be more inclusive and progressive in its approach to these issues.

The narrative of the film is woven around the controversial Nuns on the Bus tour, which took place in 2012. The tour was organized by Sister Simone Campbell, who is also the executive director of NETWORK, a Catholic social justice organization. The tour aimed to draw attention to the plight of the poor and vulnerable in America, and to challenge the conservative agenda of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The film shows the sisters crisscrossing the country in a brightly painted bus, engaging with voters and holding rallies in support of their cause.

Another key aspect of Radical Grace is the relationship between these feminist nuns and the Catholic Church hierarchy. The sisters speak candidly about the resistance they have faced from the Church, both in terms of their social justice work and their feminist ideology. They have been criticized for their progressive views on issues such as homosexuality and women's ordination, and have been accused of straying from the teachings of the Church. The film explores the tensions between the nuns and the Church, and the impact this has had on their work and personal lives.

Overall, Radical Grace offers a powerful portrayal of three remarkable women who are making a significant impact on social justice issues in the United States. The film provides a fascinating insight into the complex relationship between Catholicism and progressive politics, and into the challenges faced by those who speak out against institutionalized patriarchy and conservatism. The sisters' unwavering passion for justice and equality is an inspiration to all who believe in the transformative power of faith and activism.